Product Developer (on-site)

at  Lief Labs

Lief Labs is a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements. Our in-house Product Development and R&D team creates the best-tasting and most cutting-edge formulations of supplements. Lief also houses a state-of-the-art, full-service Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility, which offers custom solutions for many supplement categories. Lief collaborates with entrepreneurial firms to help them build premier brands. Our turnkey solutions allow us to engage in seamless partnerships that help brands with scalability and sustainable growth. Lief Labs is in the Santa Clarita Valley (Valencia, CA.) All roles are on-site Monday – Friday.

SUMMARY

The product developer is a critical client-facing individual who will be involved in key areas of the product development ideation process. Understands and outlines customer expectations and requests to internal Lief team members. Manages project quotes, raw material sourcing, documentation analysis, concept evaluation, and follow-through of new product development timelines. Will play a key role in innovation by introducing new ingredients, product concepts, latest nutritional ingredient research and leveraging key market trends. This role is passionate about consumer wellness and product development, has a strong understanding of the dietary supplement nutrition industry, and possesses excellent communication skills.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field. An advanced degree is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the functional foods, supplements, drug, or skincare industry.
• Requires a solid understanding of product development fundamentals, expertise in health, wellness, and beauty, and the ability to apply strategic thinking throughout ideation and conceptualization.
• Structure-function claims and claims substantiation expertise.
• Working knowledge of clinical study framework related to the dietary supplement industry.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment as an independent contributor and collaboratively as a team member.
• Highly knowledgeable about wellness trends in nutrition and supplements.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of product technical formulation.
• Demonstrated project management skills and knowledge of new product development lifecycle.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically in resolving customer issues.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in order processing and customer interactions.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Planning & organizing.
• Ability to interact at all levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with clients and internal sales team to develop, ideate, and conceptualize new and existing product formulations.
• Works directly with sales as a client-facing individual to provide technical expertise, knowledge on formulations, product concepts, and commercialization of products.
• Envisions, conceptualizes, and develops new product formulas, categories, delivery systems, and novel ingredients for the sports nutrition, health, wellness, and beauty markets.
• Builds, develops, and maintains a solid regulatory knowledge base on dietary supplements and nutrition.
• Brings innovative and differentiated products from concept to market that support our core customers’ vision/goals.
• Stays up to date, identifies industry trends, and drives innovation of product concepts, formulations, and ingredients to help orchestrate the company’s competitive edge.
• Effectively communicate client and/or sales expectations to the internal project management team and ensure all project expectations are vetted and accomplished.
• Completes and oversees product price quotations to ensure accuracy and identifies, manages, and mitigates all company risks, including inefficient inventory usage, manufacturing inefficiencies, optimal margin, price point, etc.
• Manages efficient quoting and formulations to maximize product performance, industry standards, and price/margin optimization for clients and Lief.
• Adheres to a robust formula and quoting change control process to support clients and
• Lief business practices.
• Manages client expectations through the creation and management of finished product specifications that align with company SOPs/Government regulatory standards
• Meets and builds relationships with raw material and packaging suppliers to stay abreast of new developments to be first to market and/or early adopters of trends.
• Conducts ingredient research/literature reviews to identify novel ingredients and formats to explore/evaluate for product feasibility.
• Provides scientific support on marketing campaigns, landing pages, and other customer-facing literature.
• Collaborates with Compliance and Legal to stay abreast of regulatory changes and requirements, including ingredient regulations and international regulatory standards.
• Participates in product development innovation meetings/activities such as presenting new products and reworking formulas and components.
• Brainstorm new ideas and bring insights on upcoming trends and innovation.
• Collaborates with purchasing on COGS targets from vendors, estimated forecasts, and MOQs.
• Practices a continuous improvement philosophy.
• Additional duties as assigned.